Social Science Research Evans, A. And S.

Social Science Research

Evans, A. And S. Frank. (2004). Adolescent Depression and Externalizing Problems: Testing Two Models of Comorbidity in an Inpatient Sample. Adolescence. 39 (153) [HIDDEN] Retrieved from: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2248/is_153_39/ai_n6145265/

The Scientific Method, though requires data and data analysis to be effective. In its most basic outline, quantitative data is information that can be measured by numbers or numerical values. Quantitative inquiry is a method that is used in scientific methodology to gather a logical and provable manner of collecting and analyzing data. Qualitative research uses a less numerical and more open ended approach to data -- it investigates the why and how of decision making; whereas quantitative focuses more on the what, where, and when -- which are all numerically measurable. One method is not necessarily better than the other; it is entirely dependent upon the hypothesis that is being tested. Indeed, qualitative research is often used to form the hypothesis and narrow the question prior to studying the data quantitatively. For example, a focus group might be formed with the purpose of looking at a specific behavioral pattern based on a cultural event. The group makes judgments, remarks, and gives opinion -- all which are qualitative. The researcher then takes the qualitative data and uses it to form additional hypotheses and to develop a more quantitative approach to the problem. Typically, quantitative research uses larger samples that can be statistically analyzed and verified; while qualitative research uses smaller samples that may be used to generalize research (Cresswell, 2003).

Article Approach- The article differentiates between additive (quantitative) and interactive (qualitative) effects of comorbidity (the presence of one or more disorder in addition to a primary disease or disorder) when dealing with treatment options in adolescent depression. This mixed methods approach is far more appropriate for the data listed because it is formulated to focus on more than one approach to the issue of comorbidity in adolescents. The qualitative approach allowed the researchers access to decades of data from other studies; the quantitative data was germane specifically during the three-year study period. A comparison and correlation of the two, mixing the methods, advanced the reliability and robustness of the data. Saturation is a key concept in qualitative analysis. It is the point at which no further themes can be captured from data observation. Results of a study by Guest et al. revealed that saturation in a qualitative study with narrow objectives and a homogeneous population occurs at 12 interviews. Additional interviews infrequently yielded new themes (Guest, Bunce, & Johnson, 2006). Evans and Frank exceed that considerably.

Reliability and Validity-

Instrument/Issue

Measure

Reliability/Validity

Size of population, demographic make up

266 inpatients drawn from 562; median age 15

Valid statistically for amount, age, and income; over represented for Caucasian population

Comorbidity factors

Alcohol, substance abuse, and psychological problems

.87 to .97; lower (but expected) when compared to parental results

FISCA-SR (Functional Impairment Scale for Children and Adolescents)

Assesses functional impairment in 8 domains over a period of 3 months

Scores valid from .73 to .85 overall populations.

DEQ -- A (Depressive Experiences Questionnaire)

Measures self-critical and interpersonal depressenogenic concerns.

Validity high .86 for interpersonal concerns, lower .68, for self-critical concerns.

TRS -- A (Therapeutic Reactance Scale -- Adolescent Version)

Measures psychological resistance (tendency to interpret and respond to situations as if they were a threat to one's freedom).

Internal reliability was .83; test has been validated since 1993

RADS (Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale)

Assesses symptoms of depression (mood, anheadonia and sleeping complaints).

Proven model since 1986 with high degree of correlation.

Social History Questionnaire

Demographic and Psychographic information

Completed by parent or guardian at time of intake